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​When Can an Abatement of Penalty be Requested

You may ask the Department of Revenue to abate penalties we have assessed if you can show that circumstances beyond your control prevented you from filing or paying your Sales and Use Tax on time, or from paying electronically if you’re required to do so.

Examples of such circumstances, or “reasonable cause”, include:

Serious illness or death of the taxpayer or an immediate family member.

Unforeseen disasters or “acts of God” – such as severe weather, fire, flood, or explosion – that result in loss of your home, place of business, or personal or business records.

Theft, arson, or the loss of data or records during a move, or while held by another person or business for computerization or processing. (Generally, the fact that a tax return preparer has your records isn’t reasonable cause.)

Embezzlement, fraud or other crimes committed against you by an employee or another person responsible for filing the return or paying the tax.

Your bank’s refusal to transfer your funds or honor your check, as long as it’s through no fault of your own. (Not having sufficient funds in your account, by itself, isn’t reasonable cause.)

How to Request a Penalty Abatement

You may request an abatement from the department’s Sales and Use Tax Division within 60 days of when your original return is filed. Tax liability, penalty and interest should be paid at the time of assessment.

Provide a clear, written explanation of the reason(s) your tax return or payment was late and why you feel the penalty should be abated. You must also include the following:

Your contact information.

Your Minnesota tax ID number.

The period covered by your request.

Any documentation you have to substantiate your request (such as a printed or online newspaper obituary, medical bill or insurance statement).

Include "Request for Penalty Abatement' in the message subject line or write it on the mailing envelope.

Once we review your request, we’ll notify you of our decision by mail.

If we grant your request we’ll issue a refund for the abated penalty. (Interest on taxes you filed or paid late is not abated and remains due.)

If we deny your request and you haven’t paid the amount due, additional penalties and interest may apply.

Note: If you have received a Demand to Pay letter, you must request an abatement from the department’s Collection Division. Your request must be made within 60 days of the date on the department’s penalty notice or letter. For more information, see Collections Information.